"Controversy Surrounds Asexual Insect's Alleged Sexual Encounter!"

Stick insects in the genus Timema, known for their asexual reproduction, have been found to occasionally engage in sexual reproduction, challenging the assumption that they are completely asexual. Researchers studying four asexual Timema species discovered that these insects have managed to maintain their populations without sex for millions of years, but occasionally introduce genetic diversity through rare instances of sexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction offers advantages such as ease of reproduction and resilience after environmental disturbances, but the ability to occasionally have sex allows for genetic rejuvenation. This finding highlights the complexity of biological categorizations and the need for comprehensive evaluation before concluding an organism's reproductive strategy.